Jean Todt says he feels puzzled, asserting that Ferrari has ignored him following his departure from the position of FIA president.

Jean Todt, who previously led Ferrari's F1 team and is a former president of the FIA, alleges that he has been consistently ignored by the team.

Jean Todt held the position of team principal at Ferrari between 1993 and 2004, and subsequently took on the role of CEO for an

He was crucial in revitalizing the Scuderia's success and managed the era of supremacy driven by the legendary Michael Schumacher.

In 2009, Todt was chosen to lead the FIA, the organization that oversees Formula 1, and he held this position through three terms until 2021.

Jean Todt discusses his ties with Ferrari

The 78-year-old Frenchman mentioned that he has not heard from Ferrari since his departure from the FIA, and he expressed that this has left him feeling "confused."

After my departure, I've communicated with a few team members, but I haven't had any further interactions with the FIA since I left, Todt shared with the Italian news outlet La Repubblica.

I have to admit that I was quite confused considering the amount of time I invested in this remarkable company and the numerous achievements we accomplished.

Back in 1993, I found a dilapidated castle, the design sector situated in England, and a non-functional wind tunnel at the main office.

"Gradually, we created something truly special. On my own, I wouldn't have accomplished much, but I excelled at assembling and keeping a team together over the years, ultimately turning it into an exceptional group."

The record of 14 titles is still documented, marking the most prosperous era in Ferrari's history.

Ferrari aims to reclaim victory in 2025 and put an end to their world championship drought.

Last season, the Italian team fell short of securing their first constructors' world championship in 16 years, as McLaren edged them out by a margin of 14 points.

With the addition of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari now has what many consider to be the most formidable team of drivers on the grid for the next season.

Lewis Hamilton is set to join forces with Charles Leclerc in his pursuit of an unprecedented eighth world championship title in Formula 1.

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Jean Todt expresses confusion, alleging that Ferrari has ignored him following his departure as FIA president.

Ex-Ferrari Formula 1 chief and previous FIA president Jean Todt alleges that the team has continuously ignored him.

Jean Todt served as the team principal of Ferrari from 1993 until 2004, after which he took on the role of CEO for the

He was crucial in transforming the Scuderia's success and managed the era of supremacy spearheaded by the legendary Michael Schumacher.

In 2009, Todt was chosen as the leader of the FIA, the organization overseeing Formula 1, and he remained in this role through three terms until 2021.

Jean Todt discusses his connection with Ferrari

The 78-year-old Frenchman mentioned that he hasn't heard from Ferrari since departing from the FIA, and he expressed that this has left him feeling "confused."

Jean Todt stated to the Italian newspaper La Repubblica that after his departure, he has communicated with a few team members, but he has not been in touch with the FIA since he left.

"I have to admit, I was quite confused considering the significant amount of time I invested in this remarkable company and the numerous accomplishments we reached."

Back in 1993, I found a dilapidated castle, the design hub located in England, and an obsolete wind tunnel at the main office.

"Gradually, we created something truly special. On my own, I couldn't have achieved this; my strength was in assembling and sustaining a team over the years, turning it into an exceptional group."

"The record of 14 titles still stands. This era marked the pinnacle of success for Ferrari."

Ferrari aims to get back to their victorious form in 2025, seeking to end their drought and secure a world championship.

The Italian team failed to secure their first constructors' championship in 16 years last season, as McLaren surpassed them, winning the title by a margin of 14 points.

Ferrari is now proud to have what could be considered the most formidable team of drivers in the upcoming season, thanks to the addition of Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion.

Hamilton is set to join forces with Charles Leclerc in his pursuit of an unprecedented eighth drivers' world championship.

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Marc Marquez reveals his top priority for the Sepang testing session

Marc Marquez set to evaluate the GP25 during preseason trials

Marc Marquez has stated that his primary objective during the Sepang MotoGP pre-season testing is "to attempt to gain insights from" his factory Ducati teammate, Francesco Bagnaia.

Following a successful revival of his paused career with the Gresini team last year, Marquez will rejoin a factory team in 2025, partnering with two-time premier class champion Bagnaia at the official Ducati squad.

Throughout the winter, discussions have centered around a possible rift between the two. However, Marquez mentions that during the pre-season tests, he will still look to Bagnaia as a point of reference because "he is knowledgeable about many aspects."

"Absolutely, I'm eager

"There's a crucial task before us at the Malaysia test, particularly as we aim to select the right path. It's essential to collaborate with Pecco and the entire team to establish the optimal foundation."

"In just over a week, we will undergo five days of testing, so it's crucial for us to stay focused."

"Currently, I've only participated in a single test session in Barcelona, and our feedback is roughly identical."

"This was crucial and simplified things for the engineers. However, after that, Ducati had everything it needed to tailor the bike to suit all the riders."

"However, if a bike is functioning properly, it means the control is entirely yours."

"Currently, my goal is to thoroughly grasp the situation and gain insights from Pecco, as he has spent many years in this garage and possesses a wealth of knowledge."

"From then on, gradually increase your speed on the track."

Marc Marquez expressed confidence that he would feel improved following the initial race. In the realm of MotoGP, Bagnaia has spent his entire career riding for Ducati and has now achieved the status of being the most successful rider for the brand in terms of statistics.

Marquez hasn't spent much time with his new Ducati team yet, but during the team's launch event in Italy last month, he mentioned that he has started to become more familiar with his crew.

"Certainly, I'm feeling good now, but I'll be more assured after the initial test and even more so following the first race as I aim to grasp how they operate," he remarked regarding the team's dynamics.

"It's somewhat unusual, and I need to adjust to this type of work."

"At that moment, I began to get acquainted with the team members. In Madonna di Campiglio, I was already familiar with the top executives, but now I'm starting to connect more with the mechanics, particularly Marco Rigamonti, who is set to become my lead engineer."

"Therefore, it's crucial to grasp what is required for us to achieve speed on the race track, as that is the key priority."

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New entrants in MotoGP face a myriad of challenges to tackle – will they manage?

Novices share insights from their initial experience at the Sepang trial run

Three newcomers to MotoGP are steadily becoming acquainted with their new bikes.

Trackhouse Aprilia's Ai Ogura, Gresini Ducati's Fermin Aldeguer, and LCR Honda's Somkiat Chantra comprise the set of three newcomers joining the top tier in 2025.

They wrapped up the three-day trial run in Sepang ahead of most of their competitors making their way back to the circuit this week for the sanctioned testing session.

The expectation for newcomers to immediately excel is set to intensify shortly.

Trackhouse's Ogura commented, "The season kicked off well for us. We put in solid work throughout all three days.

"At present, anything that happens is seen as a good sign."

Ogura mentioned regarding the formal trial this week, "I've barely spent time on a MotoGP motorcycle. There's a multitude of aspects to enhance!

As of now, I don't see any specific areas that need enhancement.

"Round after round, throughout each practice, I focus on enhancing the motorcycle. Our aim is to reach the pinnacle."

Aldeguer, who stepped in for Marc Marquez at Gresini, remarked, "I felt comfortable during the shakedown test, although the initial day was challenging."

"It was an intense physical experience!"

We progressed steadily, making significant improvements with each lap. We've managed to achieve a commendable time, which is crucial. Our continuous efforts are already yielding positive results.

"I've managed to cut down my time by two seconds. However, the focus isn't solely on the clock. We must maintain our composure and strive for enhancement alongside elite riders and under more favorable conditions."

"MotoGP motorcycles present a greater challenge compared to those in Moto2. Additionally, their races span a longer duration."

I need to keep improving my fitness level to make it to Thailand.

Check out this Instagram post from Crash MotoGP (@crashmotogp_)

Chantra, stepping into MotoGP with the least competitive motorcycle, remarked, "During the shakedown, I spent two days. On the first day, our focus was on getting a feel for the motorcycle's performance. It was a beneficial day for me to experience the new bike.

"I attempted to understand the bike's operation and its electronic systems, which was a departure from the Barcelona trial."

"On the subsequent day, we conducted an alternative examination and enhanced our circuit time."

"Yet, I remain at a distance."

Chantra explained his improvement strategy, stating, "Upon reviewing Taka's data and comparing it with my own, I realized I was significantly behind in Sectors 1, 2, and 3, although I performed well in Sector 4."

"My speed significantly decreased around the bends. In the areas where you stop and then accelerate again, the experience was much the same."

The three newcomers are set to unite with the rest of the MotoGP competitors for a three-day trial at Sepang, scheduled for February 5-7 this week.

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Pecco Bagnaia informs Marc Marquez: “Our collaboration will continue until…”

“We both understand the significance of this moment because we are intelligent individuals."

Two-time MotoGP champion Francesco Bagnaia has expressed his intention to collaborate with Marc Marquez throughout the testing phase to prepare the GP25 for the upcoming season's initial race.

After Marquez was revealed to be joining the factory Ducati team as Bagnaia’s teammate for the 2025 season, the two have continued to keep a friendly relationship.

Before reaching that stage, there were significant on-track incidents, with the most prominent being their collision at the Portuguese Grand Prix.

Throughout the winter, discussions have centered on the anticipated rivalry between the duo as they are predicted to compete for the championship title.

Bagnaia emphasized that both of them need to collaborate during winter testing to optimize the GP25 for the season opener in Thailand later this month.

As the sun goes down in Sepang, Malaysia, Ducati's team works on Pecco Bagnaia's bike. #MotoGP #SepangTest pic.twitter.com/wmy1CUE67B— Crash MotoGP (@crash_motogp) February 4, 2025

He mentioned that at the moment, it's acceptable for us to be satisfied with the current arrangement.

"In Barcelona, our requests and emotions were aligned, so I believe we don't require much variation."

"My approach will remain consistent, and his approach will be unchanged as well."

"We will collaborate up until the initial race."

"We're intelligent individuals who understand the significance of this moment."

"The relationship between teammates is typical, and it should be this way because mutual respect is the most important aspect."

Bagnaia commends Ducati ahead of Sepang

Bagnaia appreciates Ducati's efforts, stating that the company has performed "exceptionally well" in providing the updates to the GP25 that both riders asked for after the test in Barcelona last November.

He mentioned, "In my opinion, regarding the requests Marc and I made, they performed exceptionally well."

"The agreement was challenging to reach because the hybrid bicycle we evaluated in Barcelona performed excellently on straight paths, but it lacked in other aspects."

"I am fully aware of the effort they put in to bring us joy, and I believe they succeeded."

"Let's wait for tomorrow. We have many activities to explore and numerous tasks to accomplish."

"I am genuinely wishing for dry weather since there will be three consecutive days dedicated to testing."

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Valentino Rossi offers Pecco Bagnaia three pieces of advice to counter Marc Marquez

The iconic MotoGP racer was well-known for his intense competition with Marquez

Valentino Rossi has advised Francesco Bagnaia to stay cautious and avoid pitfalls while competing against Marc Marquez, his new Ducati MotoGP teammate, in 2025.

Marquez joins the factory Ducati team alongside two-time world champion Bagnaia this year, having turned down a factory bike offer from the Pramac team.

Bagnaia and Marquez experienced multiple intense moments during races last season, with their most significant incident being a crash at the Portuguese Grand Prix. This incident resulted in a heated confrontation near the stewards' office.

Discover further: Exploring Valentino Rossi's journey towards securing his tenth world championship

Rossi harbors a deep-seated animosity towards Marquez, a conflict that began in 2015, stemming from Rossi's conviction that Marquez intentionally undermined his bid for the championship.

Rossi continues to embrace this conviction, which he brought to public attention again last year while being a guest on the podcast of ex-Moto3 competitor Andrea Migno.

In a recent conversation with Corriere della Serra, Rossi was queried about the three pieces of advice he would offer his protégé to get ready for a direct competition with Marquez in 2025.

"Some days you need to secure a victory, while on others, it's about accumulating points," he remarked.

Last year, he didn't manage to achieve that, otherwise he would have secured his third world championship as well.

"Avoid getting caught in manipulations or psychological tricks, and resist being influenced or controlled by your colleague."

"In contests of skill, enjoy yourself and attempt the unimaginable."

Bagnaia fell short of securing his third championship title by a margin of 10 points last season, losing to his Pramac Ducati competitor Jorge Martin. His bid for the championship was adversely affected by failing to score in eight races throughout the season.

Throughout his time in MotoGP, Rossi had several notable competitors, including Sete Gibernau, Max Biaggi, and Jorge Lorenzo.

Regarding these competitions, Rossi mentioned, "Competing against them brings about an intense competitive animosity."

"However, when you pause, admiration continues for those who experienced feelings and strains alongside you."

"When I encounter Stoner, it's the same feeling. Seeing Gibernau or Lorenzo again brings me joy; adversaries who always maintained a level of aggression without crossing the line."

During the winter season, Rossi extended an invitation to Stoner to spend a day riding at his VR46 Ranch located in Tavullia.

The individual who has clinched the grand prix championship nine times is set to commence his second complete season in the World Endurance Championship, competing in the LMGT3 category with WRT BMW this year.

Before this event, Rossi had previously begun his car racing season with an impressive second-place finish at the Bathurst 12 Hour the previous weekend.

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Why the Time Change for the Las Vegas GP Affects UK Fans but Makes Sense for F1

The decision to move the start time of the Las Vegas Grand Prix up by two hours is a wise move, despite its negative impact on fans in the UK.

The 2025 F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix will begin two hours earlier than previously scheduled.

This is unfortunate for fans in the UK and Europe, as they will have to wake up significantly earlier to watch the events taking place in Las Vegas.

The third and latest Formula 1 event in the United States is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. local time on Saturday, November 22. For viewers in the United Kingdom, the race will commence at 4 a.m. on Sunday morning.

Similarly, the qualifying session is scheduled to begin at 8 PM on Friday night local time, which corresponds to 4 AM on Saturday morning in the United Kingdom.

The initial track sessions on Friday and Saturday, known as FP1 and FP3, are scheduled to begin at 12:30 a.m. UK time.

A statement from the organizers of the Las Vegas race explained the decision, saying, "This change comes from feedback, insights, and experiences gathered from the initial two races. It aims to provide more opportunities for fans to explore the area and to keep engaging with a larger audience throughout the United States."

UK-based Formula 1 enthusiasts might not be thrilled about the news, as they'll likely lose two hours of sleep to tune in, but the choice makes sense for a variety of reasons.

The wise decision for Formula 1 is to reschedule the race to a more favorable time for the majority of the United States, which is a crucial aspect for Liberty Media, the American company that owns F1, to take into account.

Ever since the first event, worries about the timing had been raised, as Red Bull's team leader Christian Horner noted.

"In 2023, he remarked, 'To begin with, it's clear that there will be numerous lessons to gather. One aspect to consider is the demanding schedule, which has been extremely tough on the team and all the individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes.'"

"Everyone is departing from Vegas feeling a bit worn out! The weekend has been tough on everyone working behind the scenes, and we should consider ways to make it better going forward."

Horner mentioned, "I suggest scheduling it slightly earlier in the evening, as it's impossible to completely satisfy every TV viewer."

"This is a race held in the United States. Scheduling it for 8 p.m. or a similar time would be more convenient for the people working behind the scenes."

Las Vegas announced a schedule adjustment for its 2024 return. The Friday and Saturday sessions were rescheduled to start two hours earlier, improving the experience for attendees.

However, the fix was not ideal, as team members and drivers struggled with jet lag during a grueling end-of-year series of three consecutive races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

The previous year, George Russell, who gained notoriety for taking a nap prior to securing pole position, discussed the unique difficulty presented by the Las Vegas track.

He described it as a significant challenge for the body, noting the drastic change from Europe. Additionally, he mentioned that they would need to readjust when they head to Qatar the following week.

"Getting a full eight hours of sleep is challenging when your schedule is so irregular. Personally, I try to rest whenever possible, like taking a nap before the qualifying session. Although I felt a bit groggy when I woke up, I ensured I was fully alert by the end of the qualifying round. It's tough, but everyone faces the same challenge."

Las Vegas is once more the beginning point for Formula 1's most challenging series of three consecutive races, and there is optimism that scheduling the sessions earlier will lead to improvements.

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Anticipation builds around Marc Marquez’s Ducati aerodynamics at Sepang trial

This week's 2025 Sepang pre-season trial is discussed in the team's preview on the Crash MotoGP Podcast

The excitement of MotoGP racing returns in 2025 with the season's inaugural official pre-season test scheduled in Malaysia from February 5th to 7th.

A handful of rookies and seasoned riders with concessions have already hit the track at Sepang for preliminary runs, but this week, the full lineup for the 2025 season will gather in Malaysia for their initial group session since November 19.

The upcoming pre-season is packed with excitement, featuring notable changes among riders, the introduction of three newcomers, and the collective effort to bridge the gap with Ducati's lead.

Get the MotoGP Crash Podcast here

In this week's episode of the Crash MotoGP Podcast, with Jordan Moreland at the helm, the crew offers a glimpse into what's anticipated for the upcoming test.

Nonetheless, it's important to temper expectations regarding certain aspects.

Ducati has captured attention with minor aerodynamic adjustments during the shakedown, yet Crash Senior Journalist Lewis Duncan anticipates no significant aerodynamic changes for the Italian marque in the near future.

"Gigi Dall'Igna is known for having a trick or two up his sleeve, and my guess is that we might not witness any significant alterations to the fairing until Buriram," he commented.

Historically, Gigi has a tendency to unveil new developments during the last trial, a strategy that catches competing teams off-guard, leaving them with insufficient time to respond or adapt swiftly.

All eyes will be on the Ducati team's pit area to observe the updates they've implemented. It's acknowledged that the new frame they experimented with previously has already shown to be a beneficial development.

"Thus, if you add that into the mix of what they've already got, coupled with some fine-tuning, Ducati will become a formidable opponent to overcome."

It's fascinating to observe Ducati's moves. In my view, the aerodynamic modifications observed are merely an appetizer. I believe that the aerodynamic enhancements hinted at by Dall’Igna are yet to be fully unveiled.

"Ducati has consistently made bold alterations to numerous elements throughout the years, as this might be their final opportunity to implement such changes."

"It's likely that this will be the final significant update in aerodynamics, as it's difficult to envision that they would allocate a substantial development budget to aspects that are expected to be drastically reduced by 2027."

"In what seems to be the final iteration of the aero generation, it appears Gigi has crafted something particularly remarkable."

Will Yamaha Unveil a V4 at Sepang?

The development of Yamaha will be under keen observation this off-season, however, according to Crash MotoGP's Editor Peter McLaren, the V4 won't make an appearance this week.

"McLaren mentions, they've received information about its development and are eager to find out when it will make its debut on the race track."

We had speculated that it might occur during this trial. The unveiling of the Yamaha was scheduled for the first evening of the initial shakedown.

On the first day, only Andrea Dovizioso had the opportunity to test ride the two Yamaha motorcycles, which closely resembled the existing model equipped with an inline-four engine.

"One could clearly observe, in addition to hearing a distinct difference, in the case of a V4. This is why Yamaha has maintained a level of openness regarding it."

"In my recent conversation with Paolo Pavesio, the successor to Lin Jarvis, he candidly confirmed the existence of the V4, although he mentioned that it's not yet prepared for track debut."

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Dani Pedrosa unexpectedly changes gear supplier

KTM test rider's unnoticed move during Shakedown

Dani Pedrosa appeared somewhat altered from what was anticipated during the 2025 MotoGP Sepang Shakedown test.

Pedrosa stepped out from the KTM workshop on the first day of testing his company's motorcycles, sporting gear from a different brand.

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For the first time since 2006, he donned Dainese gear.

Switching from Alpinestars attire marks a significant change. Not long before, while practicing with Pedro Acosta, Pedrosa was outfitted in Alpinestars equipment.

His subtly altered appearance was among a handful of low-key incidents during the off-air rehearsal.

Pedrosa was actively engaged as a test rider for KTM, working alongside Pol Espargaro.

The rider with the highest achievements in MotoGP history who has yet to secure a championship title continues to be highly regarded by his contemporaries for his skill in bike development and his prowess on the race track.

In the previous year, Pedrosa participated exclusively in the Spanish MotoGP, where his competing racers remarked on the veteran's maintained prowess.

His real contribution to KTM lies in refining their motorcycle. Serving on their testing squad, he hit the racetrack during the initial shakedown, just before the usual MotoGP competitors are back this week for the official MotoGP test.

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Lewis Hamilton has been cautioned that he must quickly adapt and perform well as he begins his journey with Ferrari in Formula 1, as concerns about an early pecking order within the team have surfaced.

Lewis Hamilton is expected to face instant pressure to begin his career with Ferrari F1 on a strong note.

After spending 12 years with Mercedes, the seven-time world champion has made a major transition to Ferrari for the 2025 season. Hamilton's decision to join Ferrari has been a hot topic in the F1 community since it was revealed last year. With only a month remaining before he races for Ferrari, anticipation and excitement are on the rise.

As Lewis Hamilton settles into his new role at Ferrari, he is experiencing a favorable start. However, according to reports from Italy, there will be an expectation for him to deliver strong performances right from the beginning, especially with Charles Leclerc as his new teammate.

As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ferrari's team leader, Fred Vasseur, might be open to implementing team orders early in the season as the team aims to break their 16-year drought and secure a world championship title.

Following a narrow defeat in the constructors' championship last year, where they fell short by only 14 points to their competitors McLaren, Ferrari is resolute in their quest to secure their first world title since 2008 in the current season.

According to a recent article by La Gazzetta, the initial races of 2025 might play a crucial role in "determining a new pecking order within the team."

The report states that each driver has the capability to be the team's lead driver, and it will ultimately be their performance outcomes that determine which one will spearhead the pursuit of the drivers' world championship title.

The addition of Hamilton, known for his vast experience, charismatic presence, and seven championship titles, has shifted the dynamics from when Carlos Sainz was part of the team. Sainz was more aligned with Leclerc in terms of age, recognition, and standing.

Leclerc can no longer assume the position of Ferrari's leader; instead, he must demonstrate his worth through his performance on the track.

Getting a strong start will be vital for Hamilton and Leclerc, who are optimistic about the new Ferrari's capabilities to compete against McLaren, Red Bull, and Mercedes.

The report ends by indicating that Vasseur might have to decide early in the season which driver to support in the championship race.

Hamilton has no room for excuses

According to Martin Brundle, a pundit and co-commentator for Sky Sports F1, Hamilton should be performing at his best within two or three races.

"He needs to rely on his experience," Brundle commented on Sky Sports News.

At this level, no one has any excuses, not even the newcomers. However, you might allow the rookies a maximum of half a season to find their footing.

"They anticipate that Lewis will have mastered both his team and the vehicle in just a few races, to be frank."

Brundle emphasized that people should "never underestimate" Hamilton, expressing his belief that the 40-year-old British driver still possesses the ability to secure an unprecedented eighth world championship title with Ferrari.

Brundle expressed confidence that if Ferrari provides a car capable of winning races or a championship, Lewis has the ability to secure victories and potentially claim the championship title.

"I believe he still has the pace. However, in my opinion, Lewis Hamilton's peak performances are more likely in the past."

"As people age, they often lose some sharpness, and I believe this has happened to him. He occasionally finds himself in situations that he used to handle with ease but now struggles with, or he might make an error during qualifying. However, I believe that having 96-97 percent of Lewis Hamilton's capabilities in a competitive car is still more than sufficient."

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EXCLUSIVE – Aki Ajo Discusses KTM's Intense Shakedown: "A Lot of Innovations"

"We're truly pleased with the progress made in the production"

Aki Ajo, the newly appointed team manager for Red Bull KTM's MotoGP squad, mentioned that the Austrian team successfully achieved its off-season development goals, introducing "numerous innovations" during the intense Sepang Shakedown trials.

The future of the RC16's development is uncertain because of the financial instability currently affecting KTM.

However, test riders from the factory, Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaro, spent all three days of the Shakedown on the circuit, evaluating several new components (including the rear seat unit and exhaust system) as well as other enhancements not immediately apparent.

"Absolutely," Ajo confirmed in a conversation with Crash.net, responding affirmatively to inquiries about whether winter development proceeded normally notwithstanding KTM's ongoing financial struggles.

"We're truly pleased with the progress made at the plant over the recent months. It seems all the scheduled tasks were accomplished, if not surpassed."

"Our [Shakedown] test was exceptionally chaotic as we encountered numerous novelties and had a plethora of elements to comprehend, verify, and inspect."

"Examinations proceed for an additional three days [at the Official test], with numerous aspects requiring further verification."

"In my opinion, we currently find ourselves in a favorable position."

"There are still numerous days of trials ahead, including sessions in Buriram, yet we've already seen a lot of encouraging outcomes."

Espargaro, who led the pack on the first day, ultimately secured the fifth position in the Shakedown rankings, trailing Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo by half a second. Pedrosa came in ninth, 1.286 seconds behind the leader.

Transponder signals indicated that Espargaro had been utilizing a pair of motorcycles set to be transferred to Brad Binder for the next Official test, while Pedrosa took to the tracks on the motorcycles allocated to the new factory team member, Pedro Acosta.

When asked if he believes KTM is capable of stepping up to compete with the current MotoGP champions, Ducati, Ajo responded:

"We possess a competitive spirit and naturally, our ambition is to emerge victorious. As mentioned earlier, Ducati previously set the standard as the top contender. Naturally, our goal is to narrow the gap and ultimately secure the position as the leading team."

"Initially, it's crucial to acknowledge that we are the latest entrant in the MotoGP, having made our debut in 2017, and over the past two years, we've emerged as the second leading manufacturer."

"Thus, it's essential to view it optimistically, yet naturally, we aspire for greater outcomes."

"Moreover, the rivalry is quite intense. Numerous factories lack what were once referred to as satellite teams. Nowadays, I'd refer to them as secondary factory teams."

Acosta demonstrated Tech3 KTM's prowess as the brand's secondary factory team, securing nine podium finishes and barely missing the fifth spot in the previous year's world championship to Binder.

After completing his inaugural season, Acosta now looks to the future alongside seasoned victors Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini, who are joining Tech3's team. Ajo believes this gives KTM an opportunity to approach strategies differently in 2025.

"Having riders such as Maverick and Enea join Tech3 influences our operations to some extent. It impacts our testing methods and how we optimize their use."

"Having newcomers on the team is always a positive addition. However, their presence might necessitate adjustments in the way we work, particularly in areas like testing. On the other hand, with veteran riders, we might find opportunities to explore and evaluate a broader range of options."

"One of our objectives is to enhance our collaboration with our second factory team, aiming to operate seamlessly as a single entity."

He mentioned, "In essence, we have four riders representing our factory. I'm quite familiar with three of them, and with Enea, we're in the process of developing our connection.

"However, I've collaborated extensively in the past with Brad, Pedro, and Maverick, which is definitely a plus. We're familiar with one another, understand what to anticipate, and hold mutual respect."

Ajo emphasized that advancement is not solely measured by the quantity of new components but also by enhancing their utilization and improving team collaboration.

"He mentioned that their focus spans across various aspects, including the chassis, engine performance, and electronics. However, he personally believes it's not just about the technical details and innovations."

"My approach, along with that of our top tech experts, involves not just knowing our product but also enhancing it wherever possible."

"I'm referring to not just the bicycle and its technical aspects, but also the collaboration among individuals and particularly how we provide everything the cyclists need and assist them in the most effective manner."

The formal testing session in Sepang, which includes all riders for the 2025 season, is scheduled from Wednesday through Friday.

Peter has spent two decades in the racing world, witnessing the rise and retirement of Valentino Rossi. He's also leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure from the scene and the challenges Marc Marquez faces with injuries.

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EXCLUSIVE – Aki Ajo Discusses Busy Shakedown, Innovations at KTM

“There’s significant satisfaction with the progress in manufacturing”

Aki Ajo, the new team manager for Red Bull KTM's MotoGP squad, stated that the Austrian team successfully achieved its off-season development goals, introducing "numerous innovations" during a "busy" testing session in Sepang.

The future progress of the RC16 is under scrutiny because of the current economic instability at KTM.

However, factory test pilots Dani Pedrosa and Pol Espargaro spent all three days of the Shakedown on the circuit, testing some notably new components (like the back seat area and the exhaust system) in addition to other elements concealed within the bike's framework.

"Absolutely," Ajo confirmed in a conversation with Crash.net, in response to whether winter development had progressed normally despite KTM's ongoing financial challenges.

"We're genuinely pleased with the progress made in the plant over the recent months. It seems all the scheduled tasks were accomplished, if not exceeded."

"Our Shakedown test was incredibly busy as we were faced with numerous new elements and several aspects to comprehend, verify, and examine."

"The Official test will now extend for an additional three days, during which multiple aspects will undergo further verification."

"In my view, we're currently in a favorable situation."

"There are still numerous days of trials ahead, including sessions in Buriram, yet we've already seen a lot of encouraging outcomes."

Espargaro, who led the pack on the first day, ended up in fifth place on the Shakedown leaderboard, trailing Yamaha's Fabio Quartararo by half a second. Pedrosa came in ninth, lagging 1.286 seconds behind the leader.

Transponder data indicated that Espargaro was riding a pair of motorcycles set to be passed on to Brad Binder for the next official trial, while Pedrosa took the helm of the motorcycles assigned to the new team member, Pedro Acosta.

Asked about KTM's prospects of competing against the current MotoGP title-holder Ducati, Ajo responded:

"We possess a competitive nature and naturally, our aspiration is to come out on top. As you've mentioned, Ducati previously set the standard and was the top contender. Naturally, our aim is to narrow that gap and ultimately reach the pinnacle as the foremost team."

"Firstly, it's crucial to acknowledge that we are the most recent addition to the MotoGP lineup, having joined in 2017. Over the past two years, we've secured our position as the runner-up manufacturer."

"Thus, we should view it optimistically, though naturally, we aspire for greater outcomes."

"Additionally, the rivalry is quite intense. Numerous factories no longer maintain what were once referred to as satellite teams. Nowadays, I'd refer to them as secondary factory teams."

Acosta demonstrated the capability of KTM's secondary team, Tech3, by securing nine podium finishes and missing the fifth position in the previous season's world championship to Binder by a slim margin.

Following Acosta's debut season, and with seasoned victors Maverick Vinales and Enea Bastianini joining the Tech3 team, Ajo believes KTM has the opportunity to adopt a somewhat novel approach in 2025.

"When we get the opportunity to include racers such as Maverick and Enea in our team [Tech3], it influences our approach slightly. It affects our testing methods and how we maximize their use."

"Having newcomers in the team is always a positive aspect. However, the approach and techniques we employ might need to be adjusted, like in testing. With veteran riders, we might have the opportunity to explore [more] options and make comparisons."

"One of our goals is to strengthen our bond, aiming to be as unified as possible with our second factory team. In our efforts, we aspire to operate seamlessly as a single entity."

He stated: "Essentially, we're working with four factory riders. I'm quite familiar with three of them already, and we're currently developing our connection with Enea.

"However, my previous collaborations with Brad, Pedro, and Maverick have been extensive, which naturally is advantageous. We're familiar with one another, understand our mutual expectations, and have already established a foundation of respect."

Ajo emphasized that advancement isn't solely measured by the quantity of new components but also by enhancing their utilization and improving the team's operational methods.

"He mentioned, "Our focus spans across multiple domains, including the chassis, engine efficiency, and electronics. However, for me, it's not just about the technological aspects and innovations.

"My approach, which I believe is shared by our top tech experts, involves not just comprehending our product but also enhancing it."

"I'm referring not just to the motorcycle and its specifications, but also to the collaboration among individuals and, importantly, how we provide everything necessary for the riders and assist them in the most effective manner."

The formal testing session at Sepang, involving all riders slated for the 2025 season, is scheduled from Wednesday through Friday.

Peter has spent two decades in the racing world, witnessing Valentino Rossi's rise and retirement. He's leading the coverage on Suzuki's departure and Marc Marquez's health concerns.

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